Page 107 of The Daredevil

“To start, I can also mock up fake images of you and blast them out to the internet. Since you want to be famous, I can make sure your face is on every continent. I have loyal followers who’d be happy to help me spread the news when they find out you’re responsible for smearing my name.”

“But I had nothing to do with that!”

“I don’t care.” My eyes widened. “Besides, you said you gave Brittany information about me. You’re guilty by association. Why should I give a shit about your feelings when you don’t care about me or anyone?” My chest heaved as I let out my frustration. “You’re a selfish bitch who thinks the world revolves around you. You have no respect for anyone and flaunt your family’s wealth like a DDD chest. People look at you, and all they see is your money. Where’s your self-respect?” I inhaled a deep breath. “Stay away from me.”

Fiona gaped at me and made no comment, which surprised me.

I guess I wasn’t done yet. “If you don’t, I’ll have to resort to calling Lucille from Lucille’s Salon. I understand she’s paying you a lot of money for a promotion on your website. I can easily alert her that you’ve spent time with her husband in Paris.”

She gasped. “H-how did you know?”

Lucille’s husband had also asked me to accompany him to Paris a year ago when I met him at a banquet, but I’d declined.

“People talk, Fiona. You’re not the only one he’s been with. And no, I haven’t been with him, nor do I have any interest in men who could be my grandfather. I’m sure his wife wouldloveto know her precious client had fucked her husband.”

Fiona twisted her lips, looking worried. “I told you—I’m making things right.”

“Also, stay away from Royce. He’smyboyfriend, and as a mature adult, you should respect that. Don’t make me show the world who Fiona Clark truly is.” I turned and walked away.

“Do you love him?” she asked.

I whirled and faced her calm and curious expression. “I do.”

“Doeshelove you?”

Why so many questions, Fiona? The truth was, I didn’t know.

“It doesn’t matter,” I said. “When you love someone, you don’t need it to be returned. You love because the person makes you feel cherished more than anyone ever did, and that’s enough for me. I hope you find someone to make you feel treasured too.” I meant that and left her sitting on the bench to return to her phone call.

Walking back to my car, I opened the door and sagged into my seat, blowing out a hefty breath. I should have shown her my true feelings a long time ago. Perhaps things wouldn’t have gotten this bad. Fiona was one person; Brittany was another. I couldn’t anticipate the mindset of crazy people.

Feeling drained, I headed home to finish my cake and brownie.

CHAPTERFIFTY-SEVEN

ROYCE

I worked lateinto the night to get everything done before my flight back to Providence. I missed Michelle more than I could express, but I had to keep my distance until the entire shit show was over. She had to understand her safety was my top priority.

From my investigation, I discovered that when Edward Bryson was alive, he had used his office to launder drugs and city funds to solicit underage girls for sex. He deserved his horrible death. Anyone who abused children was the lowest scum in society.

The crime organization responsible for his death was expansive and secretive, making it extremely hard to determine who ran it and where they were stationed. In order to protect myself and my loved ones, I had to know who my enemies were. Though these crime lords weren’t my “direct enemies,” their crimes were close to my friends and me.

We were linked to them on that fateful day so long ago. When innocent young boys with big dreams only wanted to meet up to discuss their video games. That day changed all of us, and I couldn’t help but wonder what the universe wanted me to know.

Edward Bryson’s body wouldn’t have been found if Remi hadn’t renovated the garage of his office building. I supposed nothing could hold back the truth, not even concrete. The truth had a way of revealing itself in its own time.

From what I gathered, Dominic Bryson was heading down the same path as his father. A smile curved onto my lips as I flipped through the mental file in my head, containing his crimes.

Did he know how his dad had died? Did he care he could end up with the same fate?

I’d find out in two days when I surprised him at the private event to which I hadn’t been invited. Once I showed him what I could do to him, he’d stop trying to ruin my life.

CHAPTERFIFTY-EIGHT

MICHELLE

I’d gottena lot of writing done and could take a few days off to rest my brain. Royce should be back in a couple of days.

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